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Garrett Gilbertson

Founder & Managing Partner at SUM Ventures I Chairman Band of Angels LA I Board Member UNest l Clear Club I Brius I Purlin I Board Observer DressX I Advisor Paperwork I Automotus I Irrigreen

Professional Background

Garrett Gilbertson is a highly accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and military veteran who has made significant contributions to the entrepreneurial landscape. Currently, he serves as the founder and Managing Partner of SUM Ventures (SUM.VC) and Maverick Investment Properties. As the Chairman of the Band of Angels Los Angeles Group, Garrett has established himself as a leader in angel investing and venture capital, successfully bridging the gap between investment opportunities and promising startups.

Garrett's professional journey is marked by a commendable military service as an Afghan War veteran and a former Captain in the United States Air Force. His unique combination of military discipline, strategic thinking, and business acumen positions him as a prolific leader in the world of investments. During his tenure in the Air Force, Garrett took on the pivotal role of a procurement contracting officer, where he managed a staggering $2.4 billion in government contracts. While deployed in Afghanistan, Garrett oversaw 439 construction contracts amounting to an impressive $224 million. His remarkable achievements in the military were recognized when he was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal—a testament to his dedication and exceptional service.

In the years following his military career, Garrett seamlessly transitioned into entrepreneurship and investment. He actively engaged in seed-stage investing and nurturing startups through well-known angel groups, including the Band of Angels, Tech Coast Angels, and Pasadena Angels. Garrett's passion for fostering innovation has led to his involvement as an advisor to numerous startups, where he plays a crucial role in guiding their path to success.

Education and Achievements

Garrett's academic credentials are equally impressive, laying a solid foundation for his career in entrepreneurship and investment. He began his educational journey at the United States Air Force Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Management. Continuing his pursuit of knowledge, Garrett later obtained a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship from Pepperdine University. Furthermore, he enriched his expertise by completing the Executive Program in Venture Capital and Private Equity at Harvard Business School—an experience that has equipped him with invaluable insights into the intricacies of the investment world.

Garrett's academic excellence did not go unnoticed; he received the prestigious George Award as the Outstanding Student in Entrepreneurship from the Graziadio School of Business and Management. He continued to build his reputation in the academic community, becoming a partner at Caltech's Computer and Mathematical Science Department for his contributions to Serenify, a project that showcases his innovative thinking.

After his time at Caltech, Garrett served as the Managing Director of BLD Capital from 2017 to 2018. In that role, he crafted the fund's vision, managed investor relations, sourced investment opportunities, and provided support to the fund's portfolio companies. During his tenure at BLD Capital, Garrett oversaw investments in a total of 12 seed-stage companies, showcasing his ability to identify and nurture innovative ventures. His success and expertise were highlighted when he was featured on the cover of the Orange County Business Journal and invited to speak at the Global Accelerator Conference in Seoul, South Korea, further cementing his reputation as an influential figure in the investment community.

Notable Contributions and Current Endeavors

As a founder and Managing Partner of SUM Ventures, Garrett continues to impact the startup ecosystem positively. He is dedicated to seeking new investment opportunities and mentoring budding entrepreneurs, reflecting his commitment to driving innovation and entrepreneurial growth. His role in hosting monthly pitch events in the Los Angeles area underscores his willingness to engage with the community and support the next generation of startups.

Garrett's contributions extend beyond just investment; he actively advises many of his portfolio companies and holds positions on the Board of Directors for organizations such as UNest, DressX, Brius, and ClearClub. His extensive involvement as an investor and advisor in a diverse range of companies, including Irrigreen, Automotus, Verifir, Purlin, and many others, showcases his adaptability and dedication to fostering entrepreneurial success across sectors.

His network of expertise and his commitment to building valuable relationships with entrepreneurs make him an asset to any startup looking for guidance and support. Garrett's belief in the potential of emerging companies drives him to seek out opportunities that can make a lasting impact in various industries.

Conclusion

As he progresses in his career, Garrett Gilbertson embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. With his military background, impressive educational achievements, and extensive investment experience, he continues to inspire those around him as he invests in and nurtures the startups of tomorrow.

Related Questions

How did Garrett Gilbertson’s military background influence his approach to entrepreneurship and investment?
In what ways does Garrett Gilbertson support early-stage startups as a mentor and advisor?
What lessons has Garrett Gilbertson learned from managing a diverse portfolio of investments across various sectors?
How has Garrett Gilbertson been able to leverage his experience in government contract management in his venture capital initiatives?
What are Garrett Gilbertson's long-term goals for SUM Ventures and his contributions to the startup ecosystem?
Garrett Gilbertson
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Location

Hermosa Beach, California, United States